I've waited such a long time to post this... After 6 years, 4 years of interviews and 2 reserve places I can finally say:

Cardiff

I'm still in a bit of a shock but I am over the moon. It's been a long, tough process for me and so many people have asked me why I've kept putting myself through it for this long. But even though the process has been heartbreaking at times I have always loved the work I was doing and sure that this was the right thing for me.

In previous years my anxiety got the better of me in interviews so this year I did as many mock interviews as I could possibly do, both with people in the field and people who know nothing about psychology. I also added in a few breathing exercises from yoga. I'm delighted to say that it paid off and can't wait to finally be starting training in October.

Second year applying. First interview this year.Whilst it isn't a place, it was still a great experience to learn from and I will be able to glean some valuable insight from the feedback hopefully!Congratulations to all those blues at Cardiff, hope you really enjoy! It was lovely to meet everyone on the Friday morning interview slot!ExeterManchesterLancasterCardiff

For anyone who re-interviewed last week for Teesside - I thought I would share this. It turns out that they are now interviewing again on Tuesday. I am very disappointed by this because it seems they are now looking at people who weren't interviewed at all. So its gone from me being good enough to be called back for an interview to now no longer being god enough to fill in spots and they would rather pick new people to be interviewed. I find the whole process really disorganised to be honest and I feel even more disheartened then last week.

I'm very glad I put myself through this, I've learned a lot about myself and the process. It's disappointing to have had 3 interviews and no offers, but I could not have done any better this year. Now knowing how hard other people worked for their places, I don't really feel I deserved one anyway! I feel worried that I might not be able to do better next year, but I've got plenty of time to do my best to improve my chances. It's invaluable to know that I don't need better qualifications or experience, it is purely about feeling more secure in my own knowledge and conveying that in a better way on the day. And coming 21st out of ~500 applicants at Bath (even if that doesn't translate into a place) is something to be proud of!

Mainly I've learned that I would quite like to be a clinical psychologist - but if it doesn't happen for a while or if it doesn't happen at all, I'm okay with that

Bokbag87 wrote:For anyone who re-interviewed last week for Teesside - I thought I would share this. It turns out that they are now interviewing again on Tuesday. I am very disappointed by this because it seems they are now looking at people who weren't interviewed at all. So its gone from me being good enough to be called back for an interview to now no longer being god enough to fill in spots and they would rather pick new people to be interviewed. I find the whole process really disorganised to be honest and I feel even more disheartened then last week.

That sounds incredibly frustrating. Teesside have previous for doing similar, I can't remember how long ago it was but they definitely re-interviewed people who hadn't even been shortlisted previously, after getting through their reserve list, and possibly after the deadline?

Bokbag87 wrote:For anyone who re-interviewed last week for Teesside - I thought I would share this. It turns out that they are now interviewing again on Tuesday. I am very disappointed by this because it seems they are now looking at people who weren't interviewed at all. So its gone from me being good enough to be called back for an interview to now no longer being god enough to fill in spots and they would rather pick new people to be interviewed. I find the whole process really disorganised to be honest and I feel even more disheartened then last week.

That sounds incredibly frustrating. Teesside have previous for doing similar, I can't remember how long ago it was but they definitely re-interviewed people who hadn't even been shortlisted previously, after getting through their reserve list, and possibly after the deadline?

Have they given any feedback to you?

Yeah they gave me feedback which upset me more to be honest because even though it was the same two people who did both interview and re-interview I was given polar opposite feedback for using similar examples. I have come to the conclusion that it is not just about me being a fit for them but them being a fit for me, and frankly this process has been horrific and unnecessary.

I've been lurking here for several years and thought I should share my progress People have said to me 'it only takes one interview' and I've found that to be true, although at times I have had difficulty believing it. I found that 3 rejections + 1 interview left me feeling like I wouldn't be good enough for the one uni that selected me and I guess that stemmed from the anxiety of the process plus the gut-wrenching moment when you open the rejection e-mail. I also let those thoughts negatively effect my confidence when I was going in to my one and only shot at it for that year...

2015LeedsManchesterSheffieldLiverpool

2016LeedsManchester LancasterLiverpool

2017LeedsCoventry/WarwickLiverpool Staffordshire

Getting a rejection from Liverpool this year after being on the reserve for places for two years on the run was a bit of a kick in the teeth as I felt more confident and ready than I had done in the two years prior. That being said, I think I managed my nerves a lot better this year and feel I've learnt a lot since my previous interview in 2016.I know it's easier said than done, but I just want to stress how important it is to be kind to yourself, and if you get one shot at interviews allow yourself to be the best version of you that you can be on the day.

Good luck to everyone waiting to hear back, commiserations to the reds (if you know you've got more to give - DON'T GIVE UP!!)...and hopefully I'll be able to locate some Staffordshire course mates on here

teesside have done it once before. the year after they lost their accreditation. they recruited all 14 places and reserve list but we're turned down by so many people that they had to recruit again. this time however they only recruited 10 places so knew from the start they would be reinterviewing. they have completely disregarded how this must be making.potential candidates feel.

bokbag I feel exactly the same. my feedback I feel is inaccurate and contradictory, I had one person on both panels.

I have contacted clearing house to raise a concern about the process and would encourage you to do the same.

ogglebog wrote:teesside have done it once before. the year after they lost their accreditation. they recruited all 14 places and reserve list but we're turned down by so many people that they had to recruit again. this time however they only recruited 10 places so knew from the start they would be reinterviewing. they have completely disregarded how this must be making.potential candidates feel.

bokbag I feel exactly the same. my feedback I feel is inaccurate and contradictory, I had one person on both panels.

I have contacted clearing house to raise a concern about the process and would encourage you to do the same.

I find this beyond disgraceful how this has been conducted. I can take it if I didn't make it this year, but to go through a month of this when they knew they had to reinterview, so to be rejected twice like that has been a horrible experience.

I was number 2 on the Bath reserve list and got a phone call yesterday afternoon offering a place. It's been updated on the clearing house but not received official letter/email yet. As soon as I receive those I will be going ahead and accepting Bath so the Cov&Warwick reserve will move 1 place (I was number 6 after interview - not sure if that has changed now) .